So it begins. December is here and with it comes the onslaught of festive fun. Some of you will no doubt be clutching your ear muffs ever tighter to drown out the cries of Mariah Carey, but if, like me, you’ve been counting down the days to Christmas since June, then Carrot is here to guide you through the best activities in London to get you feeling festive.
Take a tour of the Christmas lights:
(Festive) fact:
— Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan (@MayorofLondon) December 6, 2021
If you hop on the 139, 22, 453, 390 or the 94 you can get the best views of London’s iconic Christmas lights and attractions. We’ve even decorated the buses, so you don’t miss them 🎄 pic.twitter.com/pxSJh492ad
My favourite and quite possibly the most underrated activity on this list, there’s nothing I love more for a low key night out than taking a wander around central London to see the lights to feel festive. Must see stops are Carnaby Street, Covent Garden and Regent Street, but with no more than a twenty minute walk between stops you’ll definitely discover more hidden gems on the way.
Treat yourself to an extravagant hot chocolate:
Let’s go get hot chocolate & drive around and look at Christmas lights
— 🃏isael🃏 (@ColaradoBoy188) December 2, 2021
It must have been about five years ago that I dragged my dad to SAID in Soho on a day trip to London after hearing the hype online, but I still have daydreams about their hot chocolate. After you’ve had a drink that’s made from actual melted chocolate, the drinking powder will never be the same again. Other cult spots are Chin Chin Labs and Dark Sugars - I haven’t had a chance to try them yet, but they’re on my list!
Grab a snack at the Christmas markets:
There’s a very small market in Covent Garden which is alright if you’re passing through, but it gets quite crowded and there can be long queues since there’s so few vendors. Instead, I’d recommend the one in Trafalgar Square - I’ve been twice in the past few years and it’s my favourite. The highlight is definitely that it’s in such an iconic spot, and there’s plenty of space to eat if you sit on the steps à la Gossip Girl. Best of all, you can admire the view of that Christmas tree. I’ve heard good things about the Christmas market in Southbank too, so that’s worth checking out if you’re passing by.
See the fake snow in Covent Garden:
fake snow at the covent garden ❄️ pic.twitter.com/88XAvF68qz
— Selin🎄❄️ (@inchopinsnotes) December 2, 2021
Is it another naf, touristy Christmas gimmick? Absolutely. But is it a bit of fun? I think so! I hadn’t planned to be in Covent Garden for this, but just happened to be sitting on a curb catching up with my friend when the flurry of foam began. Although I’d heard about it online and didn’t have particularly high expectations, I was actually very pleasantly surprised. The foam is far more like real snow than I’d expected and it goes on for quite some time. You should definitely stop by to see the snow if you happen to be around.
Ice skating:
Now, as someone with a dodgy knee, ice skating isn’t for me. But every year I look wistfully upon the aesthetic Instagram photos of people at Skate or the Natural History Museum ice rink. Even if ice skating isn’t for you, I think it’s worth stopping in to see these sights just for how gorgeous they are, and most have cafes where you can get a hot drink while you watch.
Christmas shopping:
I know Christmas shopping is something most people dread, but I firmly believe we should make an occasion of it. Put on your poshest outfit and a nice wool coat and head down to Fortnum and Masons, Harrods or Selfridges for a taste of luxury. I bought my parent’s Christmas presents from the former this year, and my top tip would be to go to the top floor to get your items gift wrapped. The website says they charge £5 per item - for some reason I was only charged £3 for both presents - but regardless I think it’s actually pretty good value. They could certainly get away with charging a lot more, and it’s a lovely treat for whoever you’re gifting your present too - and it makes you feel very fancy walking down Oxford Street with an armful of gift bags. If you’re on a budget I’d still recommend stopping in at these shops just to see their Christmas sections, it’s one of my favourite things to do! But beware, if you are going for gift shopping, you need to go early so you don’t get caught up in the crowds. To be honest, it’s probably a little late for this year, but you can remember this for next November!
Dress up and go for Christmas dinner:
Getting two Christmases - a Christmas proper and the essential ‘friendsmas’ - is my favourite thing about being a university student. You can host yourself if you really love cooking and get all your friends to help out, or book somewhere nice and dress up! This year I’m going to The Ivy Chelsea Garden, which I chose solely because of their How the Grinch Stole Christmas display outside. I haven’t had a chance to go, but I saw a TikTok about Stoke House Victoria which looks like a gorgeous little winter wonderland to have a meal at - there’s no shortage of fancy spots in London!
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